What do structural family therapy and the MRI strategic model have in common?

Structural family therapy and the MRI strategic model both emphasize the importance of process over content in therapeutic interactions. This means they prioritize how family members interact, communicate, and relate to one another, rather than just focusing on the issues or topics being discussed.

In structural family therapy, the therapist aims to understand and modify the family dynamic and organizational structure, facilitating healthier interactions among family members. The emphasis is on the patterns of behavior and structures that govern those interactions.

Similarly, the MRI strategic model, developed at the Mental Research Institute, centers on understanding the sequences of interactions that maintain problems rather than solely addressing the content of the family’s discussions. It focuses on helping families shift maladaptive interaction patterns to foster change.

By focusing on the process, both approaches aim to create significant transformation in how family members relate to each other, ultimately leading to improved functioning and resolution of issues.